Is Arlington, VA cheaper than Norfolk, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Arlington, VA is 44.2% more expensive than Norfolk, VA. This translates to spending an extra $3313 per month.

What salary do I need in Arlington, VA to live like I do in Norfolk, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Norfolk, VA, you'd need approximately $189,755.372 in Arlington, VA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Norfolk, VA and Arlington, VA?

Housing in Arlington, VA is 100.1% more expensive than in Norfolk, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,325/month in Arlington, VA compared to $1,630/month in Norfolk, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Norfolk, VA to Arlington, VA?

Living in Arlington, VA costs approximately $3313 more per month than Norfolk, VA, or $39755 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Norfolk, VA vs Arlington, VA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Norfolk, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.3K/month more in Arlington, VA

$150.0K in your current city equals $189.8K in Arlington, VA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC area

Overall Cost

↑ 44.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,313

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$39.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Norfolk, VA

Population:238K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$309K

Arlington, VA

Population:239K

Cost Index:

144

(44% above avg)

Median Home:$556K

Norfolk, VA

The Old Dominion State

238K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 238K residents.

Arlington, VA

The Old Dominion State

239K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 239K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Norfolk, VA vs Arlington, VA

Category	Norfolk, VA	Arlington, VA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,729/mo	$5,461/mo	↑ $2,732more	100.1%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,842/mo	↑ $558more	43.4%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,067/mo	↑ $107more	11.2%
All Utilities	$574/mo	$502/mo	↓ $71.46less	12.5%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,783/mo	↑ $24.92more	1.4%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$625/mo	↓ $7.32less	1.2%

Housing

↑ 100.1%

Norfolk, VA

$2,729

Arlington, VA

$5,461

Difference

$2,732

Transportation

↑ 43.4%

Norfolk, VA

$1,284

Arlington, VA

$1,842

Difference

$558

Groceries

↑ 11.2%

Norfolk, VA

$959

Arlington, VA

$1,067

Difference

$107

All Utilities

↓ 12.5%

Norfolk, VA

$574

Arlington, VA

$502

Difference

$71.46

less

Other

↑ 1.4%

Norfolk, VA

$1,758

Arlington, VA

$1,783

Difference

$24.92

Healthcare

↓ 1.2%

Norfolk, VA

$632

Arlington, VA

$625

Difference

$7.32

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,420

To$1,578

↑ $158

1 Bed

From$1,440

To$1,827

↑ $387

2 Bed

From$1,630

To$2,325

↑ $695

3 Bed

From$2,260

To$3,239

↑ $979

Norfolk, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,760/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,935

Monthly in Norfolk, VA

$11,279

Monthly in Arlington, VA

$3,344

Difference

Home Values

Norfolk

Arlington

$309K

Median Value

↑ +0.2%

YoY Change

↑ +28.5%

5-Year Change

$249K - $469K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Norfolk

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Norfolk, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Arlington, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Additional Tax Information

Norfolk, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Arlington, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.